Together

Women of the Otherworld Fanfiction

Singingfrogs

No copyright infringement intended

The forests of Balor had not provided them with the information they had so desperately been searching for. Her father's closet confidant Merlin had detailed to them the location of an experienced druid that may or may not hold the answers in stopping the looming threat to Camelot. But as she cantered across the vacant plains of Camelon the underlying feeling of anxiety and dread were clouding her mind. The time was passing exceptionally slowly as she headed home and for once she wished she really could just admire the scenery. But these were the fields that neighbored her home. This was her world; this was the place where so many people fell and died in battle, knights distinguishing themselves with honorable acts of strength and kindness while others become figures of legend.

Nevertheless, her eyesight could see the steeping rocks of the Isgaard Mountains as she located the pathway that would see her safely through the foothills. Her senses were on alert as she searched for any abnormal activities, as she knew the perilous creatures that lived in the deserted Druid kingdom of Izlandura; creatures like Goblins and the terrifying Dragon were among the few beings to inhabit the mountain after its massacre undertaken by her Grandfather.

She could only encourage her horse Cadifor further, her body moving with his motions as they galloped towards the steep incline of the mountain range, allowing their figures to undertake the next leg of their journey. The large Essetir rabbit was sitting in front of her as he rested allowing her hands to grip onto her horse's reigns as her grey steed slipped and stumbled on the rubble pathway.

"Stay calm Cadifor, heed my words." Ayleth whispered, resting her hand on his neck as the horse physically relaxed, obeying his master's verbal commands as he pushed onwards, guiding the pair of them through the traitorous terrain of the mountain range.

As they continued through the rocky walls the young woman could see the sun moving across the sky, her body tiring as they continued her journey. However, as the setting sun overwhelmed her eyesight she heaved on her horse's reigns and felt Cadifor's hooves falling out from underneath him as he skidded on the asphalt of the alley. The young woman could see the sun peaking out from behind the large cliff faces that encased the chasm that led towards her home.

The three of them had emerged through the valley that was accessed by a steep, slippery zig zagged pathway. She could feel the air becoming warmer as she descended. The smell of pine tree's welcoming her home as the pine trees gave way to beech and oak. A smile engulfed her expression as they finally rounded the corner. There standing proudly in the distance was her home. Camelot was standing along the river Astolat, surrounded by plains and forests; the magnificent Cathedral of St. Stephen's was rising high into the air, standing proudly at the centre of her home considering many important events had been involved within the walls of the church. Ayleth had been told that her parents had married there at the same time as being the final resting places for past Kings and knights. In the distance she could see the meadow that held many jousting tournaments while smaller settlements and houses were compacted within the cities walls.

The large gate was open to her as she galloped through the final trees of the forests in front of her city. The clicking of her horse's hooves echoed as his long legs met the stone floor of the courtyard. Ayleth passed the houses of her people; shops and dwellings were located around her as the people of Camelot went about their daily duties and routines of selling food, blacksmiths creating horse shoes while young children played in the streams or collected water for their mothers.

The people of Camelot were staring at her curiously, unsure as to why one of their own, and their princess no less was in such a hurry. But, as she dashed through the street of Camelot she had to ignore the nagging feeling at the back of her mind, demanding she slow down and help the people scattered within the many alleys and narrow passageways of the marketplaces. She wanted to shop at the family run businesses and stores and admire the public living buildings such as the apartments or the rare full-fledged houses.

However, she was pulled from her thoughts when she finally moved through the large stone archway that was flanked by the walls of her home. Her horses slowed hooves echoed around them as Camelot's impressive architecture was radiating around her as she finally moved into the large courtyard surrounded by the tall walls of the building.

The young woman leant down and patted her horse's muscled neck, whispering words of comfort as she removed her high rising boots from the stirrups careful to make sure none of the lacing on her calf was able to catch her horses equipment as she rounded her leg over hers steeds rump before letting her grey leather shoes connect with the floor. She could see and hear the conversation of the thousands of employee's that worked at the palace, many of them working hard in the stables or carrying certain household items as they completed their chores for the day. Ayleth just continued to place the large rabbit back to the ground, smiling as he curiously sniffed the air around him as the young princess smiled towards one of the young servant girls who were carrying a large bouquet of flowers.

"Your highness!" A voice sounded from behind her. Her heart was shuddering within her chest at the familiarity as she snapped her head in the direction of the tall lavish stone staircase that was dominated with circulating patterns. The young princess continued to removed her feathered silver side fringe from her face so she could get a better look at the Knight that had addressed her.

He had changed a great deal in the last few weeks since she had been home; he now had short brown hair instead of the long locks he favored, his hair now moved into attractive sideburns that joined the stubble on his pronounced jaw, his eyes excitedly searching hers as he practically leapt down the steps. His deep navy tunic was clinging to his tall and slender body while his vambraces incased his wrists and the leather pull over that fell to his hips bellowed in the wind behind him.

"Sir Knight!" Ayleth replied with a large smile and a mock curtsey as she held out the lapels of her riding coat to her side and bowed. "Enough with the 'Your highness' or I may have to run you through." The young woman finished as she straightened up, her smile moving into an exuberant smile as she took in the Knights smile of his own. The knight opened his arms and wrapped them tightly around Ayleth who in return mirrored the young man's actions as she enveloped her arms around his neck, her chin resting to the back of his shoulder as she clung onto him. Ayleth could not stop the laugh from tumbling from her lips as the knight spun her around, the pair of them delighted to be reunited as they continued to cling to the other in a strong death grip.

"We are surprised to see you home so soon." The knight expressed. "Though I am sure some of us will welcome your company."

"Some more than others." Ayleth smiled as she patted Cadifor's neck and looked over her shoulder. "So tell me Sir Percival has the circumstances concerning King Faucon changed during my time away from Camelot?"

"Always to the point my dear Ayleth and here I stood thinking you had missed me." Percival said with a fond smile, a smile that was rewarded with the smile she seemed to save only for him.

"I had heard otherwise, for I was held to believe that you were to spend a great deal of time with the hunters in the north." Ayleth expressed, her other hand readjusting the positioning of her sword as they headed up the stairs that led towards the sometimes-open corridors of Camelot. It was in that moment that the Knight held out his arm for the young woman he was conversing with; it was also the time in which his heart rate began to quicken as his affections for the Pendragon Princess was once again rising to the surface. He nodded his head in thanks when she politely and rather fondly looped her arm with his.

"I have been here for a few weeks now." Percival voiced. "I was most disappointed when I was informed of your departure much to the pleasure of your father and the other Knights of the Round Table."

"An errand for my father, nothing more. It seems he is commissioning various individuals to aid in the protection of Camelot. Finally my father seems to be heeding my advice concerning the Druids and the power they may provide us."

"I did not doubt the importance of you're task." Percival spoke, "I had just hoped to have spent more time with you."

"I am sure Sir Gawain and Sir Lucan have been eager to listen to your stories of adventure."

"Had I the time I would have divulged that information to them, but I found myself in council with your father so I have had other things to distract me from my missing of you." Percival joked with a smile, a statement that received a laugh from Ayleth. Percival simply looked towards his boots, finally noticing the large rabbit hopping close to the Princesses heels.

"I'm sure the new recruits training, the upcoming tournament and the studying of the Holy Grail may have also distracted you." Ayleth beamed as the grip on Percival's arm tightened.

"Just like this little creature following at your heels." The Knight sighed with a frown, his eyes studying the large rabbits whose nose was twitching rapidly as if studying the man standing over him. "He is an Essetir rabbit?"

"That's right. I saved his life when Gregory Bostel's house collapsed."

"So the legend of an Essetir Rabbits ability to bond to a person is true? He will be a very trusting companion to you my Ayleth." Percival admired as he sat on his knees and held his hand out towards the animal in hopes of starting to build a relationship with a rabbit whom would never leave her side.

"That is what it seems. Though I will never want to send him away, he has already proven to be a formidable companion." Ayleth smiled. But, it was in that moment that they realised they had made their way to her chambers. She said her goodbye to her Knight, stating that she would like to see him after dinner before she prepared herself to go and see her father.

0-0-0

Ayleth was almost ready after her bath. Her hair had been dried, flicking in any direction as her silvery hair reflected the low sunlight that was streaming through her chambers. She could not help but smile as the familiarity of wearing a dress once again engulfed her heart as she placed her circlet onto her head, the jewelry embedded into her wild hair.

Her navy gown was covered with soft matt chiffon, which gathered up underneath the empire waist, finished with a crystal-beaded motif in the centre. She had allowed her handmaiden to aid her in tying the bodice portion of her dress that had been boned with a deep cut V neckline. Her fluted chiffon sleeves with a bias cut finished edge completed this simple dress that pooled around her feet.

The necklace, which she had been given when she was a baby, was around her neck. She was never allowed to remove it. When she was younger she was unsure as to why her parents were so strict about this simple rule. Even now she did not understand the importance of such an object. The necklace was crafted from pure silver falling into a kite like shape while the intricate feathering pattern encased a beautiful sapphire the shone with life.

Ayleth looked at her reflection in the mirror, understanding that she had not looked as well groomed in a very long time but she just smiled to herself before she felt the Essetir rabbit lifting one of his forepaws onto her skirts. She could only smile down at him before she knelt down in front of him with a cloth and went about cleaning his paws.

"You know I really do need to give you a name." Ayleth said to him gently as she felt the beautiful animal leaning on her heavily, allowing the young woman to rub her hands gently over his long warm ears as she went about bathing him. "I can't keep calling you rabbit." She smiled. She lifted him off her lap and had a proper look at him, studying his features as she tried to get a better look at him. "What about Beriothein that translates as William in the tongue of men meaning protector?" She asked, watching, as he seemed to look away from her a little before he looked back at her thumping his hock impatiently. "Okay, if you don't like Beriothein what do you think of Rainion, Curtis meaning courteous." The rabbit immediately shoved both of his hocks to the ground, shaking his head. Ayleth could do nothing but smile. "What was I thinking?" She joked before she lifted her hand to her chin, raking her mind for ideas before a thought came to her and she couldn't help but smile. "What aboutBaramaethor, translating to Duncan meaning Brown Warrior." She asked watching the animal thinking it over before he rubbed against her, agreeing with his new name. "I guess you like it. Now come on Baramaethor, its time to see my father." She expressed before heaving her figure upwards, getting to her feet, and going to the door with Baramaethor following closely behind her.

The young Princess placed her delicate feet to the cold marble floor, her dark dress trailing behind her as she walked through the familiar corridors of her home. Ayleth had to familiarize herself with the bowing of her people, servants moving to the side out of respect to their princess. She could only smile, bowing her own head as she continued through the open corridors of her home.

The setting sunlight was radiating orange through the sculptured archways of her home, the small breeze blowing the fallen leaves into the corridors from the various handsome gardens that littered the different sections of her home. Large elegant tapestries engulfed the walls, picture grams of past conflicts telling the untold stories. Statues and graceful ornaments housed on the elegant furniture that was crafted with spirals of circles overlapping each other, moving along and around each other in perfect decoration.

Ayleth could only allow the feeling of home envelope around her heart and her soul as the familiarity of her royal life of duties and her family relaxed her confused mind and the conflicting argument of the new devilry that had been produced by the darkness of Faucons domain.

The princess was so wrapped up in her thoughts she was unaware of how her body had moved up the stairs towards her Father's office door until she was standing in front of the large oak doors that lead to her Father's study.

She rested her palm on the cool wood, her eyes closing with familiarity as if the energy of the tree that the door had been crafted from was transferred to her. She opened her eyes when she felt one of Baramaethor's paws resting on the base of her leg. She just smiled down gently at him. She crouched and ran a hand between his ears out of comfort.

"Stay calm my friend. My father is not as frightening as people may believe." Ayleth smiled before she pulled herself to her full height and headed through the large doors. The woman squinted into the bright orange light that vibrated through the large room. Bookcases rose from the floor right up to the ceiling that rose two stories. Books of history, books of ancient languages long forgotten by most but still spoken by people like Ayleth's father.

She could hear her feet clicking against the floor and the thumping of her rabbit's feet against the floor as she searched the walls, taking in the decoration that radiated with her fathers personality. Old antique objects holding various different memories that spanned thousand of years of her homeland.

However, as she moved further into the room she could see a large oak desk positioned directly in the middle of the room. The open archways covered with netted curtains that bellowed in the small breeze from the surroundings of Camelot. The plants in the room enjoying the sudden sunlight that shone through the open archways.

As Ayleth came into the centre of the room she could see the figure of her father sitting at his desk, one of his eyebrows raised as if he had some troublesome information in front of him or one of the ancient texts were providing him with a great deal of problems. She just smiled at him before she walked into the middle of the room.

"My Lord Pendragon." Ayleth expressed as she curtseyed low to the ground out of respect to her father. Her rabbit scooted closer towards her out of nervousness as he watched the older gentlemen lifting his head, his eyebrow still raised as he looked at his Daughter.

"Ayleth. My child." The king smiled as he heaved his figure from behind his desk. Ayleth rose from her bow, taking in the short blonde locks that hung over her father's eyes; she had no doubt that her mother was demanding he cut his hair. His grey robe was clasped over his shoulders hiding the silver tunic that encased his body. Ayleth could only smile at him as her father in turn smiled and held out his arms to embrace his daughter.

"Father." Ayleth breathed as she wrapped her arms around her father, her heart finally feeling like she had returned home after being away for so long.

"You're home." He smiled as he pulled away, lifting his hand to her smooth cheeks, gently moving her blonde side fringe from her forehead, careful not to disturb the silver circlet that was resting amongst her hair.

"I apologize for arriving home so soon."

"You have nothing to forgive. It seems the world always has something that disturbs the peace." Arthur explained, taking hold of his daughter's hand as the pair of them moved towards the large lounger that was positioned by one of the archways. Ayleth angled her body so she was facing her fathers, rejoicing in his attention as she sat in front of her, his hands still wrapped around hers.

"Did you find anything of interest in the forests of Essetir?"

"I was unable to find Bostel to ask for his help in the fight against Faucon and his winged creatures. I was also unable to gain any information regarding the lightning flash that appeared for the Isles of the Blessed. I fear something may have happened to alter the odds against us."

"I have received various messages from allied kingdoms and each of them have explained a dark force rising in the east, something that could lead to Camelot's destruction." Arthur stated, his voice trembling with emotion as he looked towards his daughter who could only look up at him, comfort shining in her eyes. "I will need you in the coming days my dear and I fear that you may never have the joys of continuing the Pendragon line."

"We always knew a war could threaten Camelot and it is a great honor to fight at your side. Besides we cannot tell the future and a very worthy knight might just prove to you his affections or I may seek your council concerning a suitor."

"Is this a subtle way of telling me that you have fallen in love my child?" Arthur asked gently with a smile, a smile that was graciously returned by the Princess.

"I cannot tell you just yet Father, for I am unsure as to what I feel." Ayleth explained as her mind automatically fell back to the Knight she was to meet in a few hours time.